3 Literary Riddles from 1864

These three riddles were pulled from The Santa Claus’ Book of Games and Puzzles, originally published in 1864. Despite the name, it’s not really Christmas-themed more than any other puzzle book. I chose these specifically to share because they have a similar literary bent, and are fairly easy to figure out compared to some other antique riddles I’ve seen.

I’ve included the solutions to the riddles at the bottom of the post. Try solving them yourself before skipping ahead!

👉 More Riddle Books / More Literature

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1. Of metal I can make a heart…

Of metal I can make a heart; 
I put a stop to ease; 
And with a tradesman I can talk 
As glibly as you please. 
With a building in New York I’ll make 
A covering for your head; 
And with the rust upon your knife 
I’ll make a piece of bread. 
I’ll make a prison with old time, 
And with a measure, too: 
Now, Cousins all, say what I am, 
For I belong to you.

2. I am always seen in sugar…

I am always seen in sugar, 
And always seen in salt. 
I am never seen in hops or beer, 
But always seen in malt. 
I’m never seen when it is light, 
Yet, strange, I’m seen in day. 
If you will look right sharp, I’m sure 
You will find me when you stray. 
I am never seen in coffee, 
But always seen in tea. 
I’m never found with mother, 
With father I must be. 
I’m always found with any thing, 
Yet, strange as it may seem, 
I’m never found in buttermilk, 
But always found in cream. 
I’m never found in good or sweet, 
And never in your mind, 
If you will study this right close, 
My name you’ll surely find.

3. I am a word in very common use…

I am a word in very common use. You will find me more than once upon almost or quite every page, whether a monosyllable, or dissyllable, or a polysyllable is to be found out; but this much is told: my first and last letter is the same; and my first three and my last three spell the same word. A useful article this of personal decoration. My interior is remarkable. Viewed one way, you laugh; viewed another, you sigh. I am an etymological stumble, and a novice hardly ever knows where to find me. To a Frenchman and a German I am an abhorrence. They never learn me so as even to call my name.

Riddle Answers

Beware spoilers!

Sources

Tingley, J.H. The Santa Claus’ Book of Games and Puzzles (1864). https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/54508